Supplemental sealing device for a beverage container

ABSTRACT

A supplemental sealing device ( 1 ) for a wine bottle ( 14 ) that includes a body ( 4 ) of circular cross-section. The body ( 4 ) has a central neck-gripping portion ( 6 ) connected to and positioned between a closed cap portion ( 8 ) and a flange portion ( 10 ). The neck-gripping portion ( 6 ) is configured to conform to the neck ( 12 ) of a wine bottle ( 14 ) and is resiliently biased to form a seal therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a supplemental sealing device for beverage containers, especially wine bottles. More particularly, the invention relates to a supplemental sealing device that can be placed over the end of a wine bottle to prevent wine from leaking out of the corked bottle, and air or other foreign objects from entering via the cork of the bottle. The supplemental sealing device also provides a space for providing identifying information about the contents of the bottle.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Beverage containers, such as bottles, have been used to store beverages such as wine, beer, and soda for many years. These beverage containers may be sealed with a variety of different sealing closures, including natural or synthetic corks, screw caps, and bottle caps. These closure devices have a number of shortcomings.

For example, many wine bottles are sealed with natural or synthetic cork. Cork is permeable to oxygen or air. Such permeation is undesirable, leading to oxidation of the wine. One known solution to this problem is to dip the cork end of wine bottles in a sealing wax. Such a procedure, however, is not cost effective or efficient because it adds a step to the bottling process. Furthermore, once the wax seal is removed, it cannot be reapplied.

Another shortcoming of existing sealing devices is the difficulty of resealing a beverage container after opening. For example, many soda bottles are closed with bottle caps that form a tight seal when initially applied at a bottling facility. After opening, however, the seal is broken. Moreover, removal of the bottle cap deforms it in such a way that reapplication to the container is not possible.

Other problems exist with identifying the contents of bottles when stored in a horizontal position. For example, wine is often stored in wine racks, which require that each wine bottle be stored horizontally so that only the top of the bottle extends from the rack and is visible. When a person desires to select a bottle of wine from the wine rack, it is often difficult to determine the contents of the bottle without removing the bottle from the rack and reading the label. One known solution to this problem is to attach an identifying tag or sticker to the top of a bottle of wine. Such a solution, however, may be aesthetically unattractive or otherwise unrealistic.

3. Identification of Objects of the Invention

A primary object of the invention is to provide a supplemental sealing device for a wine or soda bottle that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a supplemental sealing device for a wine or soda bottle that prevents the contents of the bottle from leaking from the primary closure of the bottle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a supplemental sealing device for a wine or soda bottle that prevents gas or other foreign objects from entering the primary sealing device of the bottle such as a cork, screw cap, or the like.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a supplemental sealing device for a wine bottle that includes a space for providing identifying information related to the wine of the bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The objects identified above along with other features and advantages of the invention are incorporated in a supplemental sealing device for a beverage container. The supplemental sealing device is arranged and designed to surround and sealingly engage the neck of a beverage container below the primary closure device of the container to provide a supplemental sealing of the end of the container. The supplemental sealing device includes resiliently biased walls that grip the neck of the container and a closed cap that covers the end. The supplemental sealing device also includes a flange that extends circumferentially outward from one end to facilitate installation and removal of the supplemental sealing device. The supplemental sealing device forms a supplemental seal around the upper neck of the beverage container.

The supplemental sealing device includes a space for providing identifying information related to the contents of the beverage container. Such identification may consist of a logo or other identifying indicia printed on or attached to the top end of the supplemental sealing device. Alternatively, the supplemental sealing device may be manufactured to display identifying colors or marks. Such colors or marks can be associated with the wine in wine bottles, for example, to identify the contents of the bottle when only the top of the supplemental sealing device is visible, such as when applied to a wine bottle stacked in a wine rack.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood by referring to the detailed description of embodiments below and by examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supplemental sealing device for a beverage container according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the supplemental sealing device according to the invention taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the supplemental sealing device of the present invention shown in its installed condition on a wine bottle;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the supplemental sealing device of the present invention taken along lines 2-2 of FIG. 1 when the supplemental sealing device is installed on a wine bottle having a lip; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of the supplemental sealing device of an embodiment of the present invention including a space for providing identifying information related to the contents of a wine bottle.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The aspects, features, and advantages of the invention mentioned above are described in more detail by reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the supplemental sealing device 1 that embodies the invention. The supplemental sealing device 1 includes a circular body 4 that has a cap portion 8 connected to a flange portion 10 by a neck-gripping portion 6. The body 4 is circular in axial cross-section. Referring to FIG. 2, the flange portion 10, neck-gripping portion 6, and cap portion 8 each have different outside diameters D1, D2, and D3 respectively. The inside diameter D4 of the neck-gripping portion 6 is the same as that of the flange portion 10 and smaller than the inside diameter D5 of the cap portion 8. The difference in diameters between the neck-gripping portion 6 and the cap portion 8 creates a step 24 inside the supplemental sealing device 1. The flange portion 10 and neck-gripping portion 6 are annular, having an opening extending therethrough in an axial direction. The cap portion 8 is open at a first end 22 adjacent to, and closed at a second end 20 opposite from, the neck-gripping portion 6. Thus configured, the supplemental sealing device 1 as a whole has an open end 18 defined by the flange portion 10 and the neck-gripping portion 6, and a closed end 20 defined by an end of the cap portion 8.

The supplemental sealing device 1 is fabricated of an elastomeric material such as rubber, silicone or other resilient material that is impermeable. In addition, the supplemental sealing device 1 is of unitary construction, with the cap portion 8, neck-gripping portion 6, and flange portion 10 integrally formed. Alternatively, different parts of the supplemental sealing device 1 are fabricated of different materials having different properties. For example, the flange portion 10 and neck-gripping portion 6 may be an elastomeric material with the cap portion 8 made of a different, more rigid material.

As shown in FIG. 3, the supplemental sealing device 1 is configured to cap and seal the end of a wine bottle 14. In use, the end of a wine bottle 14 passes through the open end 18, flange portion 10, neck-gripping portion 6, and the open first end 22 (shown in FIG. 2) of cap portion 8. As shown in FIG. 4, some wine bottles have a lip 26 that protrudes circumferentially from the neck 12 at the end of the wine bottle 14. When inserted into the supplemental sealing device 1, the lip 26 of such a wine bottle passes through the neck-gripping portion 6 until the lip 26 is contained within the cap portion 8. In the uninstalled condition, the inside diameter of the flange portion 10 and the neck-gripping portion 6 is slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the neck 12 of the wine 14. As the end of wine bottle 14 passes through flange portion 10 and neck-gripping portion 6, those portions expand or stretch to allow passage of the lip 26 and accommodate the neck 12 of the wine bottle 14.

Once the supplemental sealing device 1 is in place over the neck 12 of the wine bottle, the resiliency of the flange portion 10 and neck-gripping portion 6 causes the inside surface of those portions to sealingly engage the neck 12 of the wine bottle. The interface between the supplemental sealing device 1 and the neck 12 of the wine bottle, combined with the closed end 20 of the cap portion 8, seal the end of the wine bottle.

As described above, the outside diameter D1 of the flange portion 10 is greater than the outside diameter D2 of the neck-gripping portion 6. This geometry enables a user to grip the flange portion 10 in order to more easily install and uninstall the supplemental sealing device 1 from the end of a wine bottle 14. To install the supplemental sealing device 1, a user may grip the flange portion 10 and apply the necessary force to stretch the flange 10 and neck-gripping portions 6 of the supplemental sealing device 1 around the lip 26, if any, and neck 12 of the wine bottle. Similarly, a user may grip the flange portion 10 to aid in removal of the supplemental sealing device 1 when desired. Because the neck-gripping and flange portions of the supplemental sealing device 1 are resilient, the supplemental sealing device 1 is reusable, so that it can be installed and uninstalled repeatedly on the same or different wine bottles.

The capability of the supplemental sealing device 1 of the present invention to seal the end of a wine bottle 14 has several useful applications. For example, the seal prevents wine from leaking out of the bottle when stored in a horizontal position. Furthermore, after a bottle has been opened, it is often desirable to reseal an unused portion of the beverage within the bottle for later use. In such a scenario, the supplemental sealing device 1 may be used to reseal a bottle, allowing for easier storage of leftover beverage.

Additionally, the capability of supplemental sealing device 1 to seal the end of a wine bottle is useful to prevent foreign matter from entering the bottle. In the wine industry, for example, it is desirable to prevent oxygen from entering a wine bottle during storage of the wine. The sealing engagement of the supplemental sealing device 1 with the top of a wine bottle prevents oxygen from entering the bottle. Similarly, application of the supplemental sealing device 1 to the end of a wine bottle 14 provides a seal against insects or other foreign matter from entering an open bottle.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a top view of the supplemental sealing device 1 of the present invention having a space 16 for providing identifying information. The identifying information may include, for example, a logo, a description of the type of wine in the bottle, the cost, the owner, etc. The identifying information may be printed on a label. Alternatively or in addition to a label, the supplemental sealing device 1 itself may be manufactured to display different colors or markings to distinguish the wine in the bottle to which the supplemental sealing device is applied. Such identifying information would be useful, for example, when a wine seller wishes to display its wine inventory on racks, where only the top of the wine bottles are visible. In that case, a consumer would be able to distinguish between the wine bottles by inspection of the supplemental sealing device placed over the end of each bottle, without having to remove the bottles from the rack.

While some embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in detail, the invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. For example, the above description primarily describes use of the supplemental sealing device with wine bottles. In practice, however, the device may be used with other types of beverage containers as well, such as, for example, beer, water or soda bottles. Modifications and adaptations of the above embodiment may occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and adaptations are in the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth herein. 

1. A supplemental sealing device (1) for a beverage container (14), comprising: a body (4) of circular cross-section and unitary construction having a central neck-gripping portion (6) connected to and positioned between a cap portion (8) and a flange portion (10); wherein said neck-gripping portion (6) is arranged and designed to conform to the neck (12) of a beverage container (14) and is resiliently biased to form a seal therewith; and wherein said cap portion (8) has a closed end (20) capping the end of the beverage container (14).
 2. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 1, wherein said body (4) contains a space (16) for providing identifying information related to the contents of the beverage container (14).
 3. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 1, wherein said body (4) exhibits colors or markings or both related to the contents of the wine bottle (14).
 4. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 1, wherein said body (4) is fabricated of an elastomeric material.
 5. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 4, wherein said body (4) is fabricated of rubber.
 6. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 1, wherein said body (4) is made of an impermeable material.
 7. A supplemental sealing device (1) for a beverage container (14), comprising: a cup-shaped body (4) of unitary construction having an open end (18) and a closed end (20); wherein at least a portion of said cup-shaped body (4) proximate said open end (18) is resiliently biased and configured to sealingly engage the neck (12) of a beverage container (14).
 8. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 7, further comprising: an annular flange (10) attached to said open end (18) of said cup-shaped body (4) and extending outwardly therefrom in a circumferential direction.
 9. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 7, wherein said cup-shaped body (4) contains a space (16) for providing identifying information related to the contents of the beverage container (14).
 10. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 7, wherein said cup-shaped body (4) exhibits colors or markings or both related to the contents of the beverage container (14).
 11. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 7, wherein said cup-shaped body (4) is fabricated of an elastomeric material.
 12. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 11, wherein said cup-shaped body (4) is fabricated of rubber.
 13. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 7, wherein said cup-shaped body (4) is composed of a material that is impermeable.
 14. A supplemental sealing device (1) for a wine bottle comprising: a generally cylindrical hollow body (4) of unitary construction and varying cross-sectional diameter having an open end (18) and a closed end (20); wherein said open end (18) of said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) is arranged and designed to receive the corked end and neck (12) of a wine bottle (14); and wherein at least a portion of said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) adjacent said open end (18) is arranged and designed to surround, and resiliently biased to sealingly engage, the neck (12) of the wine bottle (14) when the wine bottle (14) is received in said open end (18).
 15. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 14, further comprising: a flange portion (10) extending circumferentially outwardly from said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) adjacent said open end (18), said flange portion arranged and designed for gripping by a user to facilitate installation and removal of said supplemental sealing device (1) from a wine bottle (14).
 16. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 14, wherein said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) includes a space (16) for providing identifying information related to the contents of the wine bottle (14).
 17. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 14, wherein said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) includes colors or markings or both related to the contents of the wine bottle (14).
 18. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 14, wherein said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) is fabricated of an elastomeric material.
 19. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 18, wherein said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) is fabricated of rubber.
 20. The supplemental sealing device (1) of claim 14, wherein said generally cylindrical hollow body (4) is fabricated of an impermeable material. 